Illinois EPA refers Advanced Roofing to Attorney General for enforcement

SPRINGFIELD—Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Interim Director Lisa Bonnett has asked the Illinois Attorney General’s office to proceed with an enforcement action against Advanced Roofing, Inc., (ARI) for the improper handling and management of regulated asbestos-containing material during renovations activities. ARI is located a 311 East Van Emmon Street, Yorkville, Kendall County. 

The alleged violation occurred at Chapel on the Green Historical Society, a not for profit organization located at 107 West Center Street, Yorkville.

ARI was contracted to remove existing roofing and install a new roof at the facility.  On June 6, 2011, the Illinois EPA received a complaint alleging the improper handling of the roofing material at Chapel on the Green, stating concerns that the material contained asbestos.  The Illinois EPA determined that no notification of demolition had been received, as required by law, then dispatched an inspector to investigate.

The inspector determined that roofing material suspected of containing asbestos was being transported on-site in open wheel-barrows and dumped in unlined dumpsters, while workers walked on broken pieces causing further release of asbestos fibers. Also, while a water source was available to keep the asbestos wet, this was not being done. Wetting asbestos-containing materials prevents them from being released into the air.

Samples collected by the inspector verified the asbestos content.

Illinois EPA requests the Attorney General initiate enforcement action due to the improper removal and handling of asbestos, and that ARI and Chapel on the Green promptly retain a licensed asbestos abatement contractor to implement work methods and procedures in the asbestos remediation design plan.  ARI has retained a project designer.

The Illinois EPA will continue to provide technical and other support, as needed, to the Attorney General.